Republicans and Democrats accused of 'acting like children' over US government shutdown

As the US government begins to shut down after congressional leaders fail to
reach a compromise over a budget, Americans accuse politicians on both sides
of "acting like children".

8:30AM BST 01 Oct 2013

"It's ridiculous. This is ridiculous. We've got to find a way to work this out. I mean, people's lives depend on this and I think it's just nuts that they can't come to some conclusion and decision on this at all," said Rick Koplitz, who was visiting Washington, D.C. from Colorado, in response to news of the congressional impasse.

Ken Grifith, a tourist from Kentucky echoed those sentiments.

"I'm thoroughly disgusted with our politicians. This country was built on compromise and we have a Republican and a Democratic party in power and we expect them to do the job that we sent them there for. And as I see it right now, they're acting like a bunch of three year old children. It's who can hold their breath the longest," he said.